discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˈskrim-nə-
1
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
discriminatorily adverb

Examples of discriminatory in a Sentence

The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices. a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reversing Generational Economic Disparities Black entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers to capital, credit, and mentorship, a direct legacy of discriminatory policy. Britney Porter, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 The justices, in a 6-3 ruling, found that the 2023 law isn’t discriminatory. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025 Members of the majority group claiming discrimination could satisfy this extra burden by showing either that a member of the relevant minority group made the allegedly discriminatory decision or by showing their employer’s pattern of discriminating against the majority group. Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025 Critics, including Oxfam America, condemned the policy as discriminatory and harmful to vulnerable populations seeking refuge. Amanda Castro shane Croucher billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discriminatory

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discriminatory was in 1745

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Cite this Entry

“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment

Legal Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
discriminatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on discriminatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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